A/75/329 informed public discourse. To supplement those initiatives, the Government maintained multiple legal tools to combat and criminalize all forms of discrimination, such as the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act, and section 77 (on aggravating circumstances), section 185 (on hate speech) and section 186 (on discrimination) of the Penal Code. 34. Finally, the Government expressed concern that rising unemployment and other social challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may spark increased radicalization and discrimination, and it committed to paying close attention to those threats. Portugal 35. The Government of Portugal reported a slight increase in incidents of discrimination, incitement to hatred and violence, and offences against a person’s honour, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 1999, a specialized body called the Commission for Equality and against Racial Discrimination had been fighting against racial discrimination. In 2017, the Government had passed Law No. 93/2017, which established a legal basis for the prevention and prohibition of all forms of discrimination and allowed the Commission to receive a larger volume of complaints. 36. In the context of extremist content and hate speech online, the Government stated that it recognized digital spaces as an area of particular concern. It had adopted the National Cyberspace Security Strategy in 2019 to promote the free, safe and efficient use of cyberspace by all users. In addition, the Government reported on the National Cybercrime Investigation Unit, an investigative body that focused on cybercrime and coordinated with judicial and prosecutorial agencies. The Government had also issued recommendations to the media, and coordinated efforts with the country’s High Commission for Migration and with Facebook. 37. The Government had continued to combat antisemitism and related xenophobia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Constitution and laws established a framework that forbade fascist ideologies and racist political parties, ensured freedom of religion, prohibited discrimination based on religious belief or practice, and more. Finally, the Government reported on several initiatives by the High Commission for Migration to promote deeper interreligious dialogues, acknowledge religious diversity, and facilitate tolerance, cooperation and mutual understanding among citizens. In response to the pandemic, the Government had regularized foreigners with pending requests at the Foreigners and Borders Service, thus guaranteeing them the same rights as afforded to citizens. Russian Federation 38. The Government of the Russian Federation stated that it condemned any attempt to justify or promote discrimination. Citing articles 2 and 55 of its Constitution, the Government reported that it deeply valued the protection of human rights and that such rights may only be restricted in proportion to constitutionally significant goals. The Government noted that it protected freedoms of speech and information-sharing, but prohibited hate speech, inciting violence, and any discrimination based on social, racial, ethnic, linguistic or religious affiliation. 39. The Government reported on its legislative framework to combat extremism. Highlighting Federal Law No. 149-FZ, the Government stated that it also sought to counter the spread of extremist materials in digital spaces. Specifically, article 15.1 allowed for monitoring of the mass media and telecommunication networks to expose 8/23 20-11206